Overcoming DepressionSample

Habits and Healing

By age eight, I was experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Life felt unbearable. I struggled with overwhelming emotions, fear, and confusion. These challenges plagued me throughout my adolescent years, and I felt alone throughout it all.

Eventually, God led me through a journey of healing and freedom. Thoughts and feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness weren’t triggered as much. New neurological pathways were developed in my brain, leading to greater freedom.

God also gave me a passion for the intersection of theology, psychology, and neuroscience. This path led me to start Resolution Movement, a ministry to help others struggling with similar issues as I was. So much of the freedom and healing I experienced began with understanding that my struggles weren’t random. Instead, they were signals to be answered. They were signals of deeper unresolved hurt and unmet needs.

What is depression a signal of in your life? Is it due to some kind of loss or the difficulties you have faced in life? Do you feel that you’re going to fail, that you’re inadequate, not liked, or not lovable? Ultimately, do you have thoughts of feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness?It can be hard to know what to do about such things, especially when you are depressed.

Daily decisions set direction and determine your destination. They develop new pathways in your brain, lessening depression in time. The following daily habits will help you heal and grow in your spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being:

· Continue to ask, investigate what leads to depression. What hurt and unmet needs from the past or present might trigger it? What specific things bring on thoughts and feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness?

· Connect in meaningful ways with God and others. Process uncomfortable emotions, fears, and feelings. Talk about your cares, dreams, and what God is doing in your life.

· Reduce technology use. There’s nothing wrong with social media, video games, and streaming videos, but these can lead to disconnection, comparison, and unhealthy coping versus processing life in healthy ways.

· Read the Bible and experience God’s presence.

I’ve witnessed God use these habits to bring healing, freedom, and health to thousands of people. In addition, God often uses professional help and medication as well to bring healing and freedom.

God cares deeply about you. He wants to bring you peace and hope as you get the help and support you need.

Heavenly Father, I need healing and wholeness. Help me establish healthy habits in my life. Give me the courage to reach out to others for support. Thank You for Your care for me. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

For more help, resources, and prayer, check out resolutionmovement.org.